MXA article on '23 KTM/Husky linkage bearings

JK714
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JK714
Edited Date/Time 10/2/2022 6:54pm
The October issue of MXA has an article on p.128 about problems with some of the new '23 KTM and Husky linkage needle bearings "walking out" and ultimately hindering suspension movement. They say it happened on half of their test bikes, including the FE models.

Has anyone experienced this?

MXA recommends replacing with caged bearings (HK2216, P/N 58033097000) if this happens.
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JK714
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JK714 9/8/2022 6:52am
9/8/2022 6:52am



not online yet, here's the print copy
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fcr
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fcr 9/10/2022 6:41pm
9/10/2022 6:41pm
Thanks
JoeB10p
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JoeB10p 9/11/2022 6:46pm
9/11/2022 6:46pm
When I look at the parts fiche that part number is the same as what's already on my 23 so I'm not sure what's supposed to be the deal.

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JK714
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JK714 9/12/2022 6:51am
9/12/2022 6:51am
I believe what they are talking about is replacing the stock linkage knuckle uncaged needle bearings (HK221 2V) with the same caged needle bearings used on the pull rod (HK 2216). Can't tell from the fiche parts description, but the inner and outer dimensions of the two bearing types must be the same for that to work.

Honestly I don't know why the manufacturers don't just go to caged bearings everywhere. The loose needles are such a PITA.
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sandman768
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sandman768 9/12/2022 7:04am
9/12/2022 7:04am
JK714 wrote:
I believe what they are talking about is replacing the stock linkage knuckle uncaged needle bearings (HK221 2V) with the same caged needle bearings used on...
I believe what they are talking about is replacing the stock linkage knuckle uncaged needle bearings (HK221 2V) with the same caged needle bearings used on the pull rod (HK 2216). Can't tell from the fiche parts description, but the inner and outer dimensions of the two bearing types must be the same for that to work.

Honestly I don't know why the manufacturers don't just go to caged bearings everywhere. The loose needles are such a PITA.
The loose needles in the swingarm & linkage are definitely a PiTA….But I think they hold more grease than the caged needles…
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Luxon MX
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Luxon MX 9/12/2022 9:22am
9/12/2022 9:22am
Loose needles have more load capacity than caged bearings, which is generally why they're used here. But, if the loose needle bearings are walking out, there's no reason why caged needle bearings wouldn't also walk out.

It sounds like the knuckles were bored too big, which allows the bearings to walk. Only a properly machined knuckle or Loctite sleeve retainer (6XX series) will stop that.
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JK714
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JK714 9/13/2022 8:13am
9/13/2022 8:13am
Thanks for that insight Billy. MXA also recommended using the Loctite 648 to secure any replacement bearing. I'm guessing that at my level (Vet C class) the caged vs uncaged load capacity is not so critical, and the caged ones sure are easier to deal with.
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cruiser450
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cruiser450 10/2/2022 6:51pm
10/2/2022 6:51pm
7hrs on my 23 250sxf decided to pull apart to grease it, found both seals sideways and water in one side bearing because of it, i also noticed the lower shock bolt just touching the linkarm.not ridden in mud or rain, all dry tracks. All the bearings are ok no movement but im replacing the bearings in the linkarm anyway because the water.

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DB97
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DB97 10/4/2022 3:36am
10/4/2022 3:36am
cruiser450 wrote:
7hrs on my 23 250sxf decided to pull apart to grease it, found both seals sideways and water in one side bearing because of it, i...
7hrs on my 23 250sxf decided to pull apart to grease it, found both seals sideways and water in one side bearing because of it, i also noticed the lower shock bolt just touching the linkarm.not ridden in mud or rain, all dry tracks. All the bearings are ok no movement but im replacing the bearings in the linkarm anyway because the water.

That’s how my 22.5 was. Both of those seals were pushed out.

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